Dear family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues,

Many of you will recall that I had a pretty bad crash on my bike last July soon after Ride the Rockies. Resulted in fractures to a clavicle and elbow – luckily on my left side. The clavicle required surgery to insert a titanium plate for the repairs. This is a fairly common injury for cyclists, but it was a first for me. At the time, I wasn’t sure how I’d bounce back - but I got back on my bike as soon as the docs’ and PTs’ gave me the green light.  2,600 miles later and it’s time for Ride the Rockies again – among several other events.

The experience reminded me to be grateful for things I take for granted – like health, friends who gave me a helping hand when I was recovering, a roof over my head, food on my table, and a career that provides me the opportunity to make a difference in my community, as well as many other communites where my generous clients live and give.

I personally support a number of philanthropic missions throughout the year, as do you. But this is the only time that I ask others to join me, financially, in making our community a better place, so……in a reprise of last year’s message:

Five Questions…..

Are you cold?

Are you hungry?

Are you tired?

Are you sick?

Do you need a place to sleep?

That’s it – these 5 questions are all that is asked of anyone who seeks help through the Samaritan House shelters throughout northern Colorado.

This perspective is part of what makes me proud to continue joining my Team Samaritan House friends in using Ride the Rockies to raise money for the Samaritan House as well at the other shelters managed by Catholic Charities. Whether it’s when I join my teammates regularly for training rides along the South Platte, or just commuting to work or other destinations in town by auto or bike, it is not difficult to see that the homeless community continues to grow – and so does the need for support.

This year’s Ride the Rockies is a 418-mile loop beginning and ending in Breckenridge.  No small feat and it never seems to get easier no matter how much I train – and as many of you know, I train a lot. But on June 10, I’ll be honored to leave the starting line with my 60+ teammates, riding hard to earn your investment in our mission.  As our team has expanded to nearly 100 members, we have also added several other events for members who can’t commit to a week-long experience like RTR. So I’ll also be joining them for the Copper Triangle, Tour of the Moon, and Pikes Peak Hill Climb. I also have a little 300 mile excursion to the Alps coinciding with week 2 of the Tour d’ France with 38,000 feet of climbing, including Alp d’ Huez. All in all, 1,000+ serious miles. Yes, doing something I love. But also to rally support for the Samaritan House programs.

My personal fundraising goal, that I base only on Ride the Rockies, is $4,180 or $10 per mile – and I have committing the first $500 to get us started. Please be generous and help me reach this goal so together we can make life a little better for our homeless neighbors and perhaps help some create a better life for themselves and their families.  

With gratitude,

Russ